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INTERPOL training supports NATO anti-piracy mission

CRETE, Greece – As part of its ongoing efforts in combating maritime piracy, INTERPOL provided specialized training for the officers and crew of the Ukrainian naval vessel HETMAN SAGAIYDACHNIY ahead of its deployment under the NATO anti-piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield.

The joint training course by INTERPOL’s Maritime Security unit and the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center (NMIOTC) underlined the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and military units in the fight against maritime piracy and the organized networks behind this crime.

The training addressed a range of law enforcement issues including evidence collection, biometrics and crime scene management, in addition to the legal issues relating to maritime piracy.

INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services, Jean-Michel Louboutin said this first joint course would hopefully provide a blueprint ahead of future deployments under Operation Ocean Shield.

“Law enforcement provides an important link between arrests made by the military on the high seas and the subsequent investigation and prosecution of the pirates and the associated organized crime networks behind them,” said Mr Louboutin.

“The invitation by the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center for INTERPOL to take part in this joint training course is a welcome step forward in delivering a global and comprehensive response to maritime piracy,” concluded Mr Louboutin.

INTERPOL’s role against maritime piracy has previously been established by the United Nations Security Council which in November 2011 unanimously endorsed Resolution 2020 (2011) urging all of its member states to share information with INTERPOL as part of a comprehensive global response to maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Similarly, a Decision adopted by the European Union in December 2010 saw the EU’s ongoing military operation against maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, Operation Atalanta, use INTERPOL’s global network and tools to fight the criminal networks behind piracy in the Gulf of Aden.